Xbox Game Pass is adding its first game of 2025

Xbox Game Pass Members can play Carrion as part of their subscriptions starting today, January 2nd. This is the first title to make its way to Xbox Game Pass in 2025.

Typically, Microsoft announces new additions to its gaming subscription service twice a month. The company deviated from this pattern four weeks ago, as the first wave of Xbox Game Pass games in December 2024 was also the only one for that month. Another unusual thing about this lineup is that it extended into early January 2025.

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What to expect from Xbox Game Pass in 2025

2024 was a good year for Xbox Game Pass, and if everything goes according to plan, 2025 could be an even bigger year for the subscription service.

The first title from this 2025 part of the list has now reached Xbox Game Pass in the form of Carrion. Developed by Warsaw, Poland-based Phobia Game Studio, this 2D horror experience was added to the XGP content catalog on Thursday, January 2nd. This is the second time that Microsoft is offering the game published by Devolver Digital to its subscribers Carrion It was previously released as a day-one version of Xbox Game Pass in July 2020 before being withdrawn from service in July 2022.

What is actually on offer here Carrion is a self-proclaimed “reverse horror game” in which players control an amorphous blob determined to devour everyone who has imprisoned it. In this way, the alien protagonist will spread panic throughout a mysterious facility and gain new powers that will help him wreak havoc more efficiently. While this premise isn't entirely new, it's still pretty well realized Carrion has earned a reputation as one of the best monster horror games of all time.

Upcoming Xbox Game Pass games in Q1 2024

As far as critical recognition is concerned, Carrion has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic, based on an average score of 76 and a reviewer recommendation rate of 75%. Player reviews are equally impressive: the game has nearly 24,000 “very positive” user reviews on Steam, as well as a 4.5-star rating on the Xbox Store based on about 1,900 impressions. Carrion therefore looks to be a strong addition to the selection of quality horror experiences on Xbox Game Pass.

Since this is not a day one title, Carrion is now available for all non-core tiers of Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft's subscription service has confirmed four more releases for this month, starting with the 2021 adventure game Street 96another returning title set to release on January 7th. Day one ARPG Eternal strands is then scheduled to release on January 28th, followed by two more day one titles in the form of Sniper Elite: Resistance And Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vectorwhich should start on the 30th and 31st of the month.

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